Most of the recent releases in this category were motivated by the success of the previous ones. After all, if you see one automaker trying to invent a new kind of car, you usually prefer to sit and watch how does it turn out. But when things go well with that “pioneer”, then with its first followers too, and then with others, that product becomes some sort of cash cow: everyone wants to have one of its own because it is almost sure to succeed. And this is precisely what happened with JAC. Since the Europeans have been doing a great job with medium crossovers, it was a matter of time for someone to try to extend the idea to bigger and smaller vehicles. After seeing both results ending just as positively, now the Chinese finally decided to act.
However, you should not come to JAC’s crossovers with the same expectations. Eagle S3 and S5 (this one arrived last year) are solely dedicated to sell well. There is no particular design language, no innovative solutions to optimize internal room, any special equipment, and even less alternative propulsion technologies. And neither bad qualities, to stay honest. This is a great choice for those who appreciate nice cars, but do not care enough to go any further with this. S3’s external design is the most obvious proof of that: the overall result looks pretty and modern, but sticks to the clichés of this category as if its life depends on it – given that JAC’s image is still weak outside China, it would not be surprising at all if that was actually true.
According to real, but unofficial pictures, the interior gives the exact same feeling. Instead of impressing driver and passengers with different color schemes or any particular item, S3 focuses on more realistic expectations. Between standard and optional equipments, which will certainly vary with the trim levels, some of the items chosen by JAC are ABS with brake assist, front, side and window airbags, climate control, daytime running lights in LEDs, electric operation for locks, steering and windows, infotainment system, leather seats, stability and traction controls. Its five occupants will have all the space granted by a 2.56-m wheelbase, while the driver should enjoy the maneuverability which comes from the 4.32-m overall length.
Eagle S3 shares a lot of parts with JAC’s latest compact models, because they were all built on a common platform. One of those is the single engine option, which is a four-cylinder 1.5L with variable valve timing that burns diesel. It will be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or with CVT – all-wheel-drive must have seemed a useless way of reducing the profit margins. JAC’s expectations for this car are very high, because it is already confirmed to appear in several other markets. In Brazil, for instance, it will be its first small crossover, and will try to stop Ford’s success with EcoSport using affordable prices as its biggest argument. S3 was released during this year’s Chengdu Auto Show, and went on sale right after the event.